Akita

From Pet Encyclopedia

Akita

Akita Dog Photograph

Origin of Breed

Japan

Breed Nick Names

American Akita Akita inu Great Japanese Dog

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Origin and History 3 Appearance 4 Temperament 5 Health 6 External Links 7 References

[edit] Introduction

The Akita is a large breed of dog originating from Japan. It is known by other names such as the Akita inu,American Akita and Great Japanese Dog. In the UK, the Akita belongs to the Utility Dog Group and has been recently recognised as a seperate breed from the Japanese Akita Inu.

[edit] Origin and History

The Akita was developed over 300 years ago by a Japanese nobleman living in the province of Akita, on Honshu Island. The dogs were used in pairs to hunt such large & dangerous quarry as bears. After WWII the breed was so scarce that the Akita was crossed with other breeds, notably German Shepherd and Mastiffs, the influence of which can still be seen when compared to the Japanese Akita Inu.

[edit] Appearance

The largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds. The Akita, pronounced ah.ke.ta, is a powerful, solid, well proportioned and distinctive looking dog. Strong and muscular with a flat, heavy head and strong, short muzzle. The Akita is slightly longer than he is tall with a broad, deep chest and level back. The head is broad and shaped like a blunt triangle. The stop is well defined and there is a shallow groove going up the center of the forehead. The small, erect ears are carried forward and in line with the neck. The small, triangular eyes are dark brown. The nose is generally black, brown is permitted on white Akita's, but black is preferred. The lips are black and the tongue is pink, the teeth should meet in a scissors, or level bite. The tail is carried high and curled over the back. The Akita has webbed, cat like feet which makes it a fine swimmer. The double coat is composed of a harsh, waterproof outer coat insulated with a thick, soft undercoat.

Any colour including white brindle or pinto are accepted for the Akita. A black mask is favoured by a lot of breeders.

[edit] Temperament

Active, independent & aloof

Akita's are a large breed.

They are not considered to be a dog for first time owners, as the dog's owner should be assertive in showing the dog its place in the pack, and to have some experience of dog behaviour.

They are naturally wary of unknown people and animals therefore should be well socialised to avoid undesirable aggression. If left unattended in the backyard or in a kennel, they can develop personality problems, and may become destructive to the yard due to boredom.

They are highly pack oriented, therefore isolating them from a social environment i.e. the family / owner causes them great stress.

The Akita is a dominant dog which may expect other dogs to be submissive.

The next point I'm very keen to stress:

Akita's should never be taken off the lead in parks or any public areas due to this dominant behavior, as well as the fact that the dogs are large and very strong, and would be difficult to restrain physically if the dog is not properly trained.

Akita's are devoted protectors of children in its pack, and it is said that many years ago Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akita's to watch over and protect them. This devotion will not necessarily extend to other children, especially if teased, and can be aloof with strangers.

Common sense should prevail, and adequate supervision of pets and children is generally a good idea. Having said this, a well socialized Akita will be more comfortable with this.

They are excellent house dogs. They require moderate, but regular exercise. Akita's are known to be very quiet dogs, only barking "when there is something to bark about".

Akita's may take a while to train because they are easily bored and can be stubborn. Akita's are highly intelligent, and will only obey a task if they see the point of it. They are not trick dogs. They are also a dominant species, and will not take orders from a weak or abusive leader, requiring a firm but loving education where "no" always means "no" and never "whatever".

An Akita is not likely to shower affection on someone that is not a member of his family or a close friend that he sees frequently, and can be extremely aloof.

The dogs are known for their loyalty, and a pet Akita will patiently follow its owner from room to room, without ever getting underfoot.

[edit] Health

Akitas, although they are a quite hardy breed they are susceptible to some health problems, some are genetic, others are viral. The following are some of the more common health issues that can be found in the Akita breed:

Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysplasia effects millions of dogs each year and can result in debilitating orthopaedic disease of the hip. It's caused when the femoral head does not fit properly in the hip socket, causing instability of the joint. Over time, this malformation can cause degenerative joint disease which causes increased pain and immobility. Through selective breeding strategies, veterinarians and breeders are attempting to eliminate the problem.

Eye Problems

Cataracts. Like humans, dogs can get cataracts. If the dog is in good health, cataracts can be surgically removed usually with good results.

Entropion. Conformational defect where eyelid margin inverts, or rolls inward, toward the eye causing eyelashes and hair to rub against the cornea resulting in ocular irritation.

Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in dogs and is the result of increased fluid pressure within the eye. If the pressure can not be reduced, there will be permanent damage to the retina and optic nerve resulting in visual impairment. Complete blindness can occur within 24 hours or can occur slowly over weeks or months and is usually very painful. Glaucoma is an emergency. Treatment must be started as soon as possible if your dog's sight is to be saved. Irreversible damage to the retina and optic nerve occur within a few hours of significant elevation of the intraocular pressure.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy. PRA is a family of diseases involving the gradual deterioration of the retina. In the early stages of the disease, an affected dog becomes nightblind and cannot see well in dim lighting. As the disease progresses, daytime vision also fails. Provided that the affected dog's environment remains constant, an affected dog can adapt quite well to this handicap. As the affected dog's vision fails, the pupils become increasingly dilated, causing a "shine" to his eyes. The lens of the eyes may also become cloudy, or opaque, resulting in a cataract. It should be noted that while some breeds are affected early in life, others can develop PRA much later.

Retinal Dysplasia. This is an abnormality in the development of the retina. There may be no visual defect in affected dogs, therefore, will only be found when the eye is examined. It is a condition that is thought to be inherited in a number of breeds. The condition may also be acquired as an injury or due to viral infections, toxins and nutritional disorders.

[edit] External Links

Akita Association www.redwitch.co.uk/

[edit] References